Kia ora koutou,

As you find new ways to enjoy your mid-semester break, we wanted to reassure you that we’re working to refine our teaching plans and activities across all Schools to support your learning while we remain impacted by COVID-19.  

We appreciate that this is a very unsettling and challenging time for everyone, and we will continue to take our lead from the Government in any decision-making for Unitec, as we have done so far during this situation. The health and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our key priority, and we’re doing everything possible to ensure your studies can continue with minimum disruption to your progress.

Today, the Government is expected to set out a list of activities that will be allowed under Alert Level 3, and the Prime Minister will make a decision next Monday, 20 April on whether New Zealand will move out of Alert Level 4.  There is bound to be a lot of speculation and confusion about the decision, and what a move out of Alert Level 4 will mean for our everyday lives.  I would urge you to continue to follow the latest updates on official channels, including the COVID-19 website, as well as the FAQ on the Unitec website.  In addition, we will continue to communicate the facts that affect you as often as needed.

We anticipate that the outcome of the Government’s announcements will impact how we can continue to deliver your learning and will help shape our detailed planning.  It’s a complex process involving a lot of input.  However, we’re working through it as quickly as possible and expect to have finalised plans for courses until the end of May in place by next Friday 24 April. We will be in touch with you again then with details of what you can expect for each of your courses. At this stage, as many classes as possible are planned to recommence online on Tuesday 28 April. 

If you’re expecting to go on placement as part of your programme, rest assured that your lecturers are organising alternative options or dates to have your hours fulfilled. They will be in touch with you when they have been given direction from their regulatory boards that their proposals meet government requirements.

Thank you for your engagement and support as we have rapidly transitioned to new ways of teaching and learning at this unprecedented time; and together we will continue to adapt as the situation progresses.  We’ve heard many great stories from both staff and students about some of your teaching and learning experiences over these past few weeks. It’s obvious that we’re finding innovating ways to adapt, despite the challenging conditions.  Keep up the good work, in whatever ways that are working best for you. 

Take care of yourselves and your whānau.

Kia kaha

Merran Davis
Interim Chief Executive